Level design connects the player to the game through challenges,
experiences, and emotions. This book is an invaluable introduction to
the evolving practices of Level Designers across the games industry. The
increasingly complex role of the Level Designer requires technical and
creative skill as it brings together architecture, art, player
psychology, interaction design, usability, and experience design. This
book explores in detail the principles designers employ when planning
levels and building engaging spaces for the player. As well as practical
approaches to level design, the book delves into the theoretical
underpinnings of the processes and charts a path towards thinking like a
Level Designer.
Throughout the book you will be guided through the fundamentals of level
design: each chapter builds on the types of research, ideation, best
practices, and methodologies Level Designers employ when creating
prototypes and shipped games. A series of interviews with designers and
case studies from game studios examine the application of industry-wide
expertise used to create triple-A and indie game titles. By the end of
this book you will have gained valuable insight into the role of a Level
Designer and be able to devise, plan, and build your own engaging and
entertaining game levels.